“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Epictetus

Fraternal Greetings from the West,

As the days grow shorter on our way to the Winter Solstice, we are arriving at the traditional time to reflect and express thanks for the many blessings in our lives.  I find it comforting and encouraging to stop and think about all of the wonderful people and relationships I have now and have had in my life. The overwhelming sense of gratitude is both humbling and inspirational. As masons we are spiritual builders, and gratitude is an important material in our building.  It is a key ingredient in the cement of brotherly love and affection which binds us together. When true, it hardens firmly to bind those perfect ashlars of our lives together in unity.

We, as masons, should be hungry to build.  We should abide every day by the three principal tenets and the four cardinal virtues emblematically represented by the three sides the triangle flap over the four sides of the aprons we wear. If we labor every day in the quarries and abide by these tenets and principles we will have much to be thankful for while resting on that symbolic seventh day.

So, my brothers, take Thanksgiving true to heart.  Give thanks for those things most important in your lives.  Look past the material and focus on those few precious jewels that are truly important to you.

Fraternally,

Mike Gowder, 32°, KCCH
Senior Warden
Orange County Lodge of Perfection